The Iowa women's tennis team completed its first day of competition today at the Gopher Invitational, hosted by the University of Minnesota. Combining singles and doubles, the Hawkeyes won 12 of 15 matches.

First-seeded Mili Veselinovic defeated Diana Kuhl of Nebraska, 6-0, 6-1 in the first round, and went on to defeat Erin Katims of BU, 6-2, 6-1, in the second round. Third-seed Hillary Mintz was also successful today, defeating Wiveca Swarting of Nebraska, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round, before falling to Florentina Hanisch of Wichita State, 6-3, 6-1, in the second round.

Jacqueline Lee, seeded fourth, defeated both of her opponents today. Lee defeated Erika Josbena of Mizzou, 6-1, 6-1, in the first round, and Christine Abayan of Air Force, 6-0, 6-1, in the second round. In a rare occurrence, teammates Veselinovic and Lee will face each other in the next round of competition, beginning Saturday.

In others singles action, walk-on Jennifer Barnes had an impressive first collegiate showing, defeating Jennifer Walters of Air Force, 6-1, 6-0, in the first round, and Jenna Tellefsen of Minnesota, 6-0, 6-1, in the second round. Freshman Kelcie Klockenga also defeated her two opponents today. Klockenga faced Kaitlin McKenzie of Mizzou in the first round and Mikayla Rogers of Minnesota in the second, winning 6-0, 6-3, and 7-5, 6-1, respectively. Kayla Berry defeated Alex Seaton of Minnesota, 6-3, 6-0, in the first round, and fell to Stephanie Dalmacio of Wichita State, 7-6 (3), 6-1 in the second.

In doubles action, Iowa was successful in two of the three matches. Lee/Mintz defeated Abayan/Knight of Air Force, 8-1, while Berry/Klockenga knocked off second-seeded Reimers/Ring of Nebraska, 9-7.

"I was impressed with the two new girls and how they played today. I was excited to see them get the first wins of their collegiate careers. I was also happy with the way the others played and how the day went in general," said Iowa Head Coach Daryl Greenan. "The girls competed well and we will look to repeat it tomorrow."

Competition will continue tomorrow at the Baseline Tennis Center on the University of Minnesota Campus, beginning at 8 a.m.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events.
If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a program sponsored by the University of Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics , please contact the University of Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics in advance at (319) 335-9247.

The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1316, 319-335-0705 (voice), 319-335-0697 (TDD), diversity@uiowa.edu.